Hand-Colored Map of of the Wine Region Burgundy in France by De Wit, 1688

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Title: New of the Duchy of Burgundy - Frederik De Wit c. 1688 : This exquisite map of the Duchy … Read more Title: New of the Duchy of Burgundy - Frederik De Wit c. 1688 : This exquisite map of the Duchy of Burgundy, published after 1688, is a fascinating example of Dutch cartographic mastery during its golden age. Created by Frederick De Wit, a prominent Amsterdam mapmaker, the map is originally hand-colored and offers an intricate depiction of the Burgundy region in France. De Wit’s maps are celebrated for their elegance, accuracy, and artistic flourishes, and this work is no exception. The engraving is adorned with a large decorative cartouche featuring the coat of arms of Burgundy flanked by cherubs, adding visual charm to its practical use. This folio map comes from a composite atlas, a practice common in the 17th century where publishers combined plates from various sources. De Wit’s composite atlases were notable for blending land and sea maps into one collection, drawing from plates by famed cartographers like Hondius, Blaeu, and Visscher. These atlases catered to the growing demand for comprehensive geographic knowledge among the wealthy and scholarly elite of the time. De Wit’s skillful use of shading and hand-applied color enhances the naturalistic depiction of mountains, forests, and waterways, while the detailed borderlines highlight the duchy's historical significance. This map is not only a piece of history but also an artful window into 17th-century cartography. Condition Report: The engraving is in good to very good condition, with some offsetting or color bleeding visible. Minor age-related imperfections. See less